The stimulation referred to as the transcranial direct current stimulation is a procedure carried out to create excitement on some brain neurons by the use of some direct current. This procedure requires the delivery of some direct but constant current flow to the specified target area of the brain using some electrodes. It was initially carried out to help brain injured patients like those who were stroke stricken. The practice has been in use for several years now and researches have been on going to determine to what more extent tDCS can help in offering therapy.
Depending on the part or area of the brain being stimulated, this practice has helped in activities such as the enhancing of language, attention span, problem solving, memory loss, mathematical abilities and some coordination activities. Its use has been developing over the years and more research studies have been conducted to check its positive and negative effects. The stimulation is now frequently used because it is safe for human use as along some safety protocols are maintained.
The stimulation is done by passing some constant and direct current flow to the region of interest on the head using some electrodes. These electrodes are placed carefully on the scalp. They must be carefully placed at the designated areas to induce intracerebral current flow. If placed at the wrong areas, the process could result into some faults.
The flow of a current used is manipulated to either increase or reduce the excitability of neurons at the specific area being targeted. This change in the excitability then alters brain function and thus becomes relevant for various therapies.
You require some very few equipment to set up the procedure. You need two electrodes and a battery powered device that will be able to deliver a constant and direct current flow. This device will provide you a positively charged electrode which is known as the anode and a negatively charged electrode which is called the cathode. The anode dissipates the current and its ions flow from it, though the conducting body and towards the cathode.
To start the procedure, you need to set up the equipment correctly. The skin where the electrodes are supposed to be placed is prepared properly in order for the electrodes to have a strong connection to the scalp. The pads come in different sizes. The smaller their size, the more they are able to focus to the current on the specified target to give a more desired result.
One of the electrodes is placed at the point of interest while the reference one can be placed on the shoulder, neck or a side opposite to the point of interest. The current is then let to flow through for the specified time. It should shut off once the time lapses.
In modern studies, it has been noticed that this process can be improved by using more than two electrodes. These small multiple electrodes are able to cover a larger and more specific cortical structures than the use of sponge electrodes. This in turn generates more and longer lasting excitement changes thus making them much more effective.
Depending on the part or area of the brain being stimulated, this practice has helped in activities such as the enhancing of language, attention span, problem solving, memory loss, mathematical abilities and some coordination activities. Its use has been developing over the years and more research studies have been conducted to check its positive and negative effects. The stimulation is now frequently used because it is safe for human use as along some safety protocols are maintained.
The stimulation is done by passing some constant and direct current flow to the region of interest on the head using some electrodes. These electrodes are placed carefully on the scalp. They must be carefully placed at the designated areas to induce intracerebral current flow. If placed at the wrong areas, the process could result into some faults.
The flow of a current used is manipulated to either increase or reduce the excitability of neurons at the specific area being targeted. This change in the excitability then alters brain function and thus becomes relevant for various therapies.
You require some very few equipment to set up the procedure. You need two electrodes and a battery powered device that will be able to deliver a constant and direct current flow. This device will provide you a positively charged electrode which is known as the anode and a negatively charged electrode which is called the cathode. The anode dissipates the current and its ions flow from it, though the conducting body and towards the cathode.
To start the procedure, you need to set up the equipment correctly. The skin where the electrodes are supposed to be placed is prepared properly in order for the electrodes to have a strong connection to the scalp. The pads come in different sizes. The smaller their size, the more they are able to focus to the current on the specified target to give a more desired result.
One of the electrodes is placed at the point of interest while the reference one can be placed on the shoulder, neck or a side opposite to the point of interest. The current is then let to flow through for the specified time. It should shut off once the time lapses.
In modern studies, it has been noticed that this process can be improved by using more than two electrodes. These small multiple electrodes are able to cover a larger and more specific cortical structures than the use of sponge electrodes. This in turn generates more and longer lasting excitement changes thus making them much more effective.
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